Orthodontic appliance

ABSTRACT

Orthodontic bracket mounted on tooth band and projecting outwardly therefrom. Vertical cylinder at outer side of bracket spaced from tooth band with arch wire receiving recess therebetween. Pin mounted for rotation in cylinder carries lateral projection at one end movable across recess to retain arch wire. Actuating member at other end of pin movable to position lateral projection selectively across and removed from said recess.

United States Patent James B. McCabe 1900 Dec Dara Drive, Birmingham, Ala.

[72] Inventor [21] Appl. No. 886,321 [22] Filed Dec. 18, 1969 [45] Patented Apr. 13, 1971 [54] ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE 10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 32/14 [51] Int. Cl A61c 7/00 [50] Field of Search 32/14 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,821,171 9/1931 Atkinson 32/14 3,374,542 3/1968 Moylan,Jr 32/14 Primary Examiner-Robert Peshock AttorneyJennings, Carter and Thompson ABSTRACT: Orthodontic bracket mounted on tooth band and projecting outwardly therefrom. Vertical cylinder at outer side of bracket spaced from tooth band with arch wire receiving recess therebetween. Pin mounted for rotation in cylinder carries lateral projection at one end movable across recess to retain arch wire. Actuating member at other end of pin movable to position lateral projection selectively across and removed from said recess.

Patented 13, 1971 I INVEN'IOR.

James 6. Mcfae ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an orthodontic appliance for straightening teeth and more particularly to a bracket for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band.

Heretofore in the art to which my invention relates, difficulties have been encountered in detachably connecting and disconnecting arch wires to an orthodontic bracket due to the fact that it has been necessary to cut the attaching wires or pins prior to removal from the bracket whereby new wires or pins replace the wires thus removed. This not only necessitates the use of a new wire or pin but requires that the new wire or pin be inserted through small openings, passageways or the like and then secured in place, thus requiring considerable time and skill in attaching the arch wires to the brackets after proper adjustments have been made.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION In accordance with my present invention, I provide an orthodontic bracket together with securing means associated therewith for retaining the arch wire in place wherein the retaining element remains attached to the brackets at all times. A lateral securing element is carried by an upstanding pin and is adapted for rotation relative to the bracket from an inner position adjacent the tooth band to retain the arch wire in place and to an outer position removed from the arch wire whereby the arch wire may be moved or separated from the bracket. An actuating member is mounted in easy reach of the orthodontist whereby the arch wire may be quickly attached to or separated from the orthodontic bracket by merely rotating the actuating member. Retaining means is carried by the bracket in position to hold the arch wire retaining element in the operating or securing position. Also, means is provided for detachably connecting and uprighting spring to the retaining element for the bracket whereby the uprighting spring may be easily secured in place without the addition of other securing means.

Orthodontic brackets embodying features of my invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawing, fon'ning a part of this application, in which:

FIG. I is a top plan view showing my orthodontic appliance attached to a tooth;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partly broken away and in section, showing a modified form of my invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, partly broken away and in section;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a further modified form of my invention; and,

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 7.

Referring now to the drawing for a better understanding of my invention, I show in FIGS. 1 through 4 one form of my invention which comprises an orthodontic bracket indicated generally at 10. The bracket 10 is generally U-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1, and is provided with out-turned flanges 11 which are secured to a conventional-type tooth band 12. The tooth band 12 is attached to a tooth 13 in a manner well understood in the art to which my invention relates.

As shown in FIGS. I and 3, the bracket 10 projects outwardly from the tooth band 12 and is provided with a vertically extending, cylindricallike base portion 15 which is adapted to receive a vertical tube 14 which extends the length of the cylindrical base portion. The leg portions of the U- shaped bracket 10, indicated at 16, are spaced from each other, as shown in FIG. 1. Also, the leg portions 16 are cut away adjacent one end of the cylindrical base portion, as shown in FIG. 3 to provide a recess 17 adjacent the tooth hand 12 for receiving an arch wire 18 whereby the arch wire extends between the tooth band 12 and the adjacent portion of the cylindrical base member, as shown.

An elongated pin 19 is mounted for rotation within the tubelike member 14 with a close fit, as shown in FIG. 4, and is provided with a lateral projection 21 which is adapted to move inwardly to a first position across the recess 17 to retain the arch wire 18 in place therein. Also, the lateral projection 21 is adapted to move to a second position by rotating the pin 19 approximately 90 77 whereby the lateral projection 21 would then be removed from the recess 17 to thus release the arch wire 18. The other end of the pin 19 is bent laterally to provide an actuating member 22 which extends in a vertical plane generally perpendicular to a vertical plane passing through the lateral projection 21. Accordingly, with the lateral projection 21 in the locked position adjacent the tooth band 12, the lateral projection 22 extends along side the arch wire 18 in easy reach for rotation by the orthodontist.

From the foregoing description, the operation of the orthodontic bracket shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 will be readily understood. With the bracket 10 attached to the tooth band 12 and with the arch wire 18 in place within recess 17, the arch wire 18 may be quickly released from the recess 17 by rotation of the laterally extending actuating member 22 an angular distance of approximately 90 so that the lateral projection 21 moves angularly away from the tooth band 12 to a position removed from the recess 17 thus releasing the arch wire from the recess and its attachment to bracket 10.

To secure the arch wire 18 to the bracket 10 after proper adjustments have been made, the orthodontist merely moves the arch wire 18 within the recess 17 and then rotates the actuating member 22 back to the position shown in FIG. 3 whereby the lateral projection 21 moves inwardly adjacent the tooth band 12 to thus retain the arch wire 18 in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawing, I show a modified form of my invention in which the orthodontic bracket indicated at 10a is of a generally U-shape and is provided with parallel leg members 16a which terminate in out-turned flanges 11a. The flanges lla are secured to a tooth bracket 12, as described hereinabove.

Instead of inserting a tube, such as tube 14, within the cylindrical base portion of the U-shaped bracket 10a, the generally cylindrical base portion indicated at 15a constitutes the cylindrical member for receiving a vertical pin 19a, which is adapted for rotation within the bracket 10a. A recess 17a is provided between the tooth band 12 and one end of the cylindrical member 15, as shown in FIG. 5 for receiving the arch wire 18, as described hereinabove relative to FIGS. 1 through 4.

The end of the pin 19a adjacent the recess 17a is provided with a lateral projection 21a which is adapted to move selectively to a first position inwardly adjacent the tooth band 12 and to an outer position removed from the recess 17a to thus release the arch wire 18. The other end of the vertical pin 19a is provided with an actuating member 22a which extends in a vertical plane generally normal to a vertical plane passing through the lateral projection 21a whereby the actuating member 220 is in easy reach for rotation whereby the lateral projection 21a may be moved inwardly to locked position or outwardly to unlocked position relative to the arch wire 18. An axially extending opening 23 is provided in the end of the pin 19a carrying the lateral projection 21a in position to receive one end 24 of an uprighting spring 26 while the other end of uprighting spring 26 is provided with a hook like end portion 27 which is adapted to engage the arch wire 18, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The operation of the appliance shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. That is, the actuating member 22a in the innermost locked position to retain the arch wire is released. To attach the uprighting spring 26, the end portion 24 is inserted into the axially extending opening 23 while the other end 27 is hooked over the arch wire 13, as shown.

Referring to FlGS. 7 and 8 of the drawing, I show a still further modified form' of my invention in which an orthodontic bracket 10!) is provided which is also generally U- shaped and is provided with leg portions 16b which terminate in out-turned flanges llb which in turn are secured to a tooth band, such as tooth band 12 described hereinabove. Mounted within and secured to the base portion of the U-shaped member 10b is a cylindrical or tubelike member 14b. Mounted for rotation within the cylindrical member 14b is a pin 19b having a lateral projection 21b which is adapted to mover across a recess 17b provided in the leg portions 16b, as shown. That is, the recess 17b is adapted to receive an arch wire, such as arch wire 18 described hereinabove, whereby the lateral projection 21b is adapted to move to the position shown in FIG. 7 to retain the arch in place.

The end of the pin 1% opposite the lateral projection 2 lb is bent laterally to provide an actuating member 22b whereby the lateral projection 21b may be moved selectively from the locket or retaining position shown in FIG. 7 to an unlocked position removed from the recess 17h.

Formed integrally with the upturned flanges llb are flanges 28 which extend generally at right angles to flanges llb and generally parallel to the leg members 16b. Detents 29 are carried by the flanges 28 adjacent the outer end of the actuating member 22b whereby the end of actuating member is adapted to snap over the detent 29 and thus be retained in locked position by the detent 29.

The operation of the appliance shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is similar to that of the apparatus described hereinabove. The lateral projection 21b is moved selectively to the innermost locked position across the open end of recess 17!: and to an outer or unlocked position by rotating the actuating member 22b substantially 90. The detent 29 retains the actuating member 22b in locket position as shown.

While I have shown the detent 29 for securing the actuating member in locked position, it will be apparent that other means may be employed, such as by providing a recess 30 in the cylindrical member carrying the pin adjacent the lateral projection, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 a vertical passageway 31 is provided in the U-shaped bracket between the tooth band and the cylindrical member carrying the vertical pin. This passageway 31 is adapted for receiving additional wirelike members of springlike members used in the art to which my invention relates.

While l have shown my invention in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

lclaim:

1. In an orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band:

a. a bracket mounted on said tooth band and projecting outwardly therefrom;

b. a generally vertical cylindrical member adjacent the outer side of said bracket in spaced relation to said tooth band;

0. a recess in said bracket adjacent and inwardly of one end of said cylindrical member of a size and in position to receive saidarch wire so that said arch wire extends between said one end of said cylindrical member and said tooth band;

d. an elongated pin mounted for rotation in said cylindrical member with a close fit;

e. a lateral projection at one end of said pin disposed to move pivot laterally and inwardly to a first position across said recess to retain engage the adjacent surface only of said arch wire to thus limit movement of said arch wire in place outwardly of said recess and to a second position removed from said recess to release said arch wire; and

f. an actuating member at the other end of said pin for rotating said pin and said lateral projection carried thereby selectively to said first position and said second position. I

2. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating member extends in a vertical plane generally perpendicular to a vertical plane passing through said lateral projection.

3. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 2 in which said actuating member is a lateral extension of said other end of said pin.

4. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim I in which said cylindrical member is a tubelike member carried by said bracket.

5. An orthodontic appliance as defined in claim 1 in which said bracket carries at least one outwardly extending detent disposed to engage and retain said actuating member in position to hold said lateral projection in said first position.

6. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said bracket comprises:

a. a generally U-shaped member having spaced apart legs with out-turned flanges at the ends thereof disposed to extend alongside and be secured to said tooth band, and

b. means adjacent the base of said U-shaped member for carrying said cylindrical member.

7. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band defined in claim 6 in which at least one of said out-turned flanges carries an outwardly extending detent disposed to engage and retain said actuating member in position to hold said lateral projection in said first position.

8. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which a recess is provided in the end of said cylindrical member adjacent said one end of said pin in position to receive said lateral projection while said lateral projection is in said first position whereby said lateral projection is retained in said first position.

9. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said elongated pin is provided with an axially extending opening in the end thereof carrying said lateral projection and one end of an uprighting spring extends into said opening with the other end of said uprighting spring being detachably connected to said arch wire.

10. An orthodontic appliance as defined in claim 1 in which a generally vertical passageway is provided in said bracket between said cylindrical member and said tooth band. 

1. In an orthodOntic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band: a. a bracket mounted on said tooth band and projecting outwardly therefrom; b. a generally vertical cylindrical member adjacent the outer side of said bracket in spaced relation to said tooth band; c. a recess in said bracket adjacent and inwardly of one end of said cylindrical member of a size and in position to receive said arch wire so that said arch wire extends between said one end of said cylindrical member and said tooth band; d. an elongated pin mounted for rotation in said cylindrical member with a close fit; e. a lateral projection at one end of said pin disposed to move pivot laterally and inwardly to a first position across said recess to retain engage the adjacent surface only of said arch wire to thus limit movement of said arch wire in place outwardly of said recess and to a second position removed from said recess to release said arch wire; and f. an actuating member at the other end of said pin for rotating said pin and said lateral projection carried thereby selectively to said first position and said second position.
 2. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating member extends in a vertical plane generally perpendicular to a vertical plane passing through said lateral projection.
 3. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 2 in which said actuating member is a lateral extension of said other end of said pin.
 4. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said cylindrical member is a tubelike member carried by said bracket.
 5. An orthodontic appliance as defined in claim 1 in which said bracket carries at least one outwardly extending detent disposed to engage and retain said actuating member in position to hold said lateral projection in said first position.
 6. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said bracket comprises: a. a generally U-shaped member having spaced apart legs with out-turned flanges at the ends thereof disposed to extend alongside and be secured to said tooth band, and b. means adjacent the base of said U-shaped member for carrying said cylindrical member.
 7. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 6 in which at least one of said out-turned flanges carries an outwardly extending detent disposed to engage and retain said actuating member in position to hold said lateral projection in said first position.
 8. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which a recess is provided in the end of said cylindrical member adjacent said one end of said pin in position to receive said lateral projection while said lateral projection is in said first position whereby said lateral projection is retained in said first position.
 9. An orthodontic appliance for supporting an arch wire from a tooth band as defined in claim 1 in which said elongated pin is provided with an axially extending opening in the end thereof carrying said lateral projection and one end of an uprighting spring extends into said opening with the other end of said uprighting spring being detachably connected to said arch wire.
 10. An orthodontic appliance as defined in claim 1 in which a generally vertical passageway is provided in said bracket between said cylindrical member and said tooth band. 